Grebe the Lune Pilot P58
This is a blog about a beautiful 14ft 6” Lune Pilot that we bought in January 2018. My father and I have sailed together since I was a baby, in all sorts of boats from a Silhouette and Mirror to a Vancouver 27, with a host of Drascombes.We most recently enjoyed having a Cape Cutter 19, which we sailed at Kielder in Northumberland, England, with excursions to the Netherlands and Falmouth.
Unfortunately, it is a known fact that a) masts become heavier every year, and b) trying to varnish outdoors in Northumberland during what we call 'Spring' can be a challenge.
We felt it was time to look for something we could keep in the garage and enjoy day sailing together.
So, why a Lune Pilot?
We wanted a boat that would be stable and seaworthy, with the ability to undertake estuary sailing. We wanted to be able to potter with her during 'off' season in the garage. This restricted the length to around 15 feet or so. We drew up a short list, and did quite a lot of internet-based research, as well as talking to sailing friends.We heard that the Lune Pilot sails a bit like a yacht, with its heavy displacement and long keel. One came up for sale that looked ideal for us.
Here she is, being sailed by her previous owners in Coniston....
Our first project was to tidy the garage, no mean feat. We cleared a space which should allow us to move around the boat. Now we await the new boat with baited breath and will no doubt end up taking the classic ‘rigged outside the house’ photo, followed by a long, long list of jobs to do!
